Counsellor profile
Ian Saunders, NCPS
Counsellor - Addictions and relationships
See online counselling options- Addictions support
- Relationship issues
- Motivational interviewing
About Ian
Ian Saunders is a counsellor and a member of NCPS, with 18 years of experience working in the United Kingdom. He focuses on addictions, relationships, trauma and abuse, anger, and self-esteem. He also addresses related concerns such as codependency, commitment issues, communication problems and control issues.
He has long experience supporting people with alcohol and drug misuse and process addictions like gambling or problematic pornography. Sessions are aimed at helping people talk through behaviour patterns and the emotions behind them. Ian uses straightforward, practical methods rather than technical language.
In sessions he draws on client-centred work to follow what matters most to the person in the room. He uses motivational interviewing when someone wants to change but feels stuck, and solution-focused techniques to set small, achievable steps. These approaches shape how he keeps each session focused and manageable.
Ian works with feelings that often come up alongside addiction and relationship strain, such as guilt, shame, jealousy and issues after infidelity. He helps people look at communication and commitment issues without judgement. The work is conversational and goal-oriented when that suits the client.
He offers sessions in person, by telephone and online, depending on current options. Fees vary by location and are provided through a subscription model that can be cancelled at any time. To begin, people complete a short matching questionnaire and book a first session through the online counselling options button.
How his approaches work in online counselling
Client-centred therapy focuses on what the client brings to the session. The counsellor listens, reflects and follows the person’s priorities so the client guides the pace and topics. This helps when someone needs to talk through feelings or make sense of a difficult situation.Motivational interviewing helps when someone wants change but feels unsure how to begin. The method uses open questions and reflection to weigh options and build personal motivation. It is useful for substance use and other behaviours someone wants to alter.
Solution-focused therapy looks for small, practical steps that make a noticeable difference. The counsellor and client identify what would be different if things improved and then plan achievable next steps. This can suit people who prefer goal-oriented, time-limited work.
Finding the right mix of approaches is part of the work. Ian will discuss what feels most helpful and adjust the methods to fit a person’s needs, goals and preferences. The decision is collaborative and reviewed as progress is made.
Practical benefits of online counselling include fitting sessions around work or family commitments and avoiding travel time. Some people find telephone sessions easier when they prefer not to use video, and brief online sessions can fit into a lunchtime break. Confirm the current session formats when booking so you know which options are offered at that time.
Areas of expertise
Primary focus
Additional focus areas
Therapeutic approaches
Experience
18+ years
Listed in
United Kingdom
Languages
English
Frequently asked questions
What concerns does he commonly help with?
He works with addictions, relationship problems, trauma and abuse, anger and low self-esteem. He also addresses codependency, communication and control issues.
What style of counselling does he use?
He uses client-centred counselling, motivational interviewing and solution-focused techniques. Sessions tend to be conversational and practical.
How long has he worked in counselling?
He has 18 years of experience in the field and many years supporting people with alcohol and drug misuse.
Which credential does he hold?
He is listed with NCPS, as stated in his profile.
Where are his services based and which language is used?
His practice is in the United Kingdom and sessions are offered in English. He accepts international clients.
What session formats are available?
He offers in-person, telephone and online sessions depending on current options. Please confirm available formats before booking.
How are fees handled?
Costs vary with location. Sessions use a subscription that can be cancelled at any time.
How do I start a first session?
Use the See online counselling options button, complete a short matching questionnaire and schedule a first session.
Details come from information the counsellor supplied to BetterHelp. A membership or registration can be checked on the professional body's own register.
Online counselling is not emergency care. In an emergency call 999, or see the help numbers.